Road skills test (driving examination)
The West Virginia road skills test is given by a DMV driver examiner in your own vehicle. It starts with a vehicle safety check, where you must show how to use the car's safety equipment. Next come basic control skills exercises (some mix of parallel parking and two-point or three-point turnabouts), then a drive on public roads with turns, intersections, lane changes, curves and naming road signs. The examiner scores you on the DMV-DT-1 score sheet: you pass the basic control skills with 4 points or fewer and the road test with 10 points or fewer. The DMV does not publish how long the test takes.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
Under 18 (Level 2 intermediate license): at least 16, holding a Level 1 instruction permit for 6 months with no violations or convictions, and having either a completed 50-hour certification form (10 hours at night) signed by a parent or guardian, or a Driver Education Card. Applicants 18 and older with a regular (non-GDL) instruction permit may take the road skills test after holding it at least 30 days. The road test is given only after you pass the knowledge examination. Official source 1dmv.wv.gov“Take a road skills test Be at least 16 years of age Held a Level I permit for six (6) months Must be infraction free for six (6) months immediately preceding date of application for Level II”“Must have 50 hour certification form completed, with 10 of the hours being at night, and certified by parent or legal guardian or Driver Education Card”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2code.wvlegislature.gov“Has held the level one instruction permit conviction-free for the 180 days immediately preceding the date of application for a level two intermediate license”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.wv.gov“The Instruction Permit will be valid for a period of 180 days and is not to be renewed. After at least 30 days, you are eligible for a road skills test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“The road test, or driving examination, will not be given until you have passed all other parts of the knowledge examination.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
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The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
Scored on the DMV-DT-1 Driver Skills Test (Class E) form. Basic control skills: errors such as turn signals, head/traffic checks and tapping the curb score 1 or 2 points, climbing the curb 2 or 4; you pass with 4 points or fewer across all attempts combined. Public road test: each item on the form scores 1, 3, 5 or 10 points, and only the highest points circled in each row count. You pass with 10 points or fewer. The examiner reviews the score sheet with you back at the test center. Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“taps curb climbs curb hits standard solely relies on camera other (see notes) 1st Attempt 2nd Attempt 3rd Attempt 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 4 Fail Fail Fail”“TOTAL PASS = 4 pts. or less (all attempts combined)”“Points are not cumulative – Assess the highest points circled for each row NOTES: ROAD TEST SCORE: (10 or less = Passing)”“When you return to the examining station, the examiner will review your ability as recorded on the driver score sheet. If the examiner does not provide you with a passing score, you will be told what you should practice and when to return for another examination.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Any one of these ends or fails a West Virginia road test, no matter how well the rest goes.
Steps and scoring come from West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
The examiner checks the vehicle. You must find and show how to use each safety control; if you cannot, you fail automatically.
Part of the basic control skills exercises. You may get up to three attempts. Points are charged for turn signals, head/traffic checks, tapping or climbing the curb. Hitting a standard, relying only on the backup camera, or ending outside the 18-inch curb line after three attempts is marked Fail. The examiner looks at visual skills, judgment of space, use of mirrors, turn signals, steering, braking and acceleration control.
Part of the basic control skills exercises. You drive forward to the right side of the turnabout area, stop, make a three-point turnabout, and drive forward back into the roadway where you started. The examiner looks at visual skills, judgment of space, use of mirrors, turn signals, steering, braking and acceleration control.
Part of the basic control skills exercises (shown only as a diagram in the handbook). The examiner looks at backing, visual skills, judgment of space, steering, use of mirrors, turn signals, braking and acceleration control.
Not officially described by DMV.
Part of the basic control skills exercises (shown only as a diagram in the handbook). Scored on the same skills as the forward two-point turnabout.
Not officially described by DMV.
The road test score form has a non-parallel parking section scoring your signal, head/traffic check, smooth acceleration and deceleration, and correct steering or backing when you leave or enter a space. The handbook does not describe this exercise.
Not officially described by DMV.
The route should include a right turn and a left turn. On the approach, the examiner scores your signal and lane choice, smooth braking, a full stop behind the line if you must stop, keeping the wheels straight while stopped, both hands on the wheel, speed, turning too wide or too short, finishing in the correct lane, and cancelling the signal.
Scored like right turns. On a multi-lane road, finish a left turn in the left-most lane (the one just right of the center line), then move right when safe.
Not officially described by DMV.
Scored on traffic checks, smooth braking, keeping your lane position, a complete stop behind stop lines, signs, signals or sidewalks when needed, a safe gap behind other cars, and not changing lanes in the intersection.
On multi-lane roads you may be asked to change lanes to the left and to the right. Scored on mirror and head checks, the correct signal, a smooth change, and cancelling the signal.
Scored on speed entering and through the curve, staying in your lane, and regular traffic checks.
Adjust the seat and rearview mirror before driving; keep both hands on the wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window. Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“Adjust the vehicle seat and rear view mirror before driving.”“Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
The examiner watches your signals, your judgment in traffic, and your regard for pedestrians and traffic controls. Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“The examiner will direct you during the test while observing whether or not you give the proper signals, use good judgement in traffic, and have the proper regard for pedestrians and traffic control systems.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Make regular traffic checks, check cross traffic, keep a safe following distance, stay centered in the right-most lane, and keep up with traffic without speeding. Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“During this part of the test, you are expected to make regular traffic checks, check cross traffic, and maintain a safe following distance.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
You will be asked to identify traffic signs along the route (the score sheet says two, picked at random). Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“During the road test you will be asked to identify a number of traffic signs. They can be located anywhere on the road test.”“signs (randomly pick 2).......1 3 ADDITIONAL SCORING (Document): AUTOMATIC FAILURES”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Keep both hands on the outside of the wheel. Hand-over-hand and hand-to-hand are both fine; no palming. Official source 5webapps.transportation.wv.gov“All methods of steering are acceptable (i.e., hand-over hand and hand-to-hand) as long as both hands are on the outside of the wheel (no palming).”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Signal when required, not too early or too late, and cancel after the turn or lane change. Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“Use turn signals when required. Activate turn signals at appropriate times. Do not signal too early or too late. Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Brake smoothly with steady pressure and come to a complete stop at signs and signals. Official source 5webapps.transportation.wv.gov“Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady pressure, and come to a complete stop at”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Points are taken off if you do not make head/traffic checks throughout the test. Official source 5webapps.transportation.wv.gov“check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder (head check), check your mirrors and move into the right-most lane when it is safe to do so”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
You cannot retest within one week. The road skills fee is $7.50. Under 18, each fee covers one road skills attempt. At 18 or older, the fee covers up to three road skills attempts within 90 days of permit issue. If you fail, the examiner tells you what to practice and when to come back. Official source 1dmv.wv.gov“Level 2 – Intermediate Driver's License – Fee $7.50 (road skill examination)”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 7code.wvlegislature.gov“payment of the fee entitles an applicant under the age of eighteen to not more than two attempts at the written test or not more than one attempt to pass the road skills test.”“An applicant age eighteen years or older is entitled to not more than two attempts at the written test or not more than three attempts to pass the road skills test within a period of ninety days from the date of issuance of the instruction permit.”“An applicant who fails either the written test or the road skills test may not be tested twice within a period of one week.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the West Virginia permit (knowledge) test retake rules.
For car licenses, only DMV driver examiners give the road skills test. Driver education instructors may give the knowledge test but not the road test. A state-approved driver education course (Driver Education Card) can replace the 50-hour practice certification, but it does not replace the road test. Moving from Level 2 to a Level 3 license needs no new road test. Out-of-state applicants under 18 whose license does not equal WV's Level 2 must take the road skills test. The military skills test waiver covers commercial (CDL) tests only. Official source 2code.wvlegislature.gov“Has completed either a driver’s education course approved by the State Department of Education or 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of 10 hours of night time driving”“may be issued a level three full Class E license without further examination or road skills testing if the licensee:”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4webapps.transportation.wv.gov“or who was previously licensed in a state or jurisdiction which does not have a graduated drive’s license program, must complete the road skills test”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 8code.wvlegislature.gov“allowing driver education instructors providing instruction pursuant to §18-6-1 et seq . of this code, to administer a knowledge test developed by the division.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
The West Virginia road skills test is given by a DMV driver examiner in your own vehicle. It starts with a vehicle safety check, where you must show how to use the car's safety equipment. Next come basic control skills exercises (some mix of parallel parking and two-point or three-point turnabouts), then a drive on public roads with turns, intersections, lane changes, curves and naming road signs. The examiner scores you on the DMV-DT-1 score sheet: you pass the basic control skills with 4 points or fewer and the road test with 10 points or fewer. The DMV does not publish how long the test takes. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Vehicle safety check, Parallel parking (left or right side), Three-point turnabout, Forward two-point turnabout, Reverse two-point turnabout, Parking (non-parallel), Right and left turns, Left turn, Intersections, Lane changes, Curves.
Scored on the DMV-DT-1 Driver Skills Test (Class E) form. Basic control skills: errors such as turn signals, head/traffic checks and tapping the curb score 1 or 2 points, climbing the curb 2 or 4; you pass with 4 points or fewer across all attempts combined. Public road test: each item on the form scores 1, 3, 5 or 10 points, and only the highest points circled in each row count. You pass with 10 points or fewer. The examiner reviews the score sheet with you back at the test center.
Official West Virginia sources list these as automatic failures: Scoring excessive points on the public road test; Not wearing your safety belt; Using a phone or other wireless device at any time; A moving violation: disobeying signs or signals, speeding, rolling through stops, or ignoring traffic laws; Not yielding to pedestrians or other road users; An avoidable crash, or touching another vehicle, an object or a pedestrian; Any unsafe act, or making another driver take evasive action to avoid a crash; Driving over or onto a sidewalk or curb unnecessarily; The examiner has to take control of the vehicle; Not wearing glasses you are required to wear; Refusing to do any part of the road test; Being clearly dangerously inexperienced after a short distance; Not following a traffic control device or the examiner's lawful direction; Being unable to find and show how to use any of the vehicle's safety equipment; Basic control skills: accumulating excessive points; Basic control skills: hitting, tapping or moving a cone, barrel or flag; Jumping a curb during any part of the test; and Parallel parking: hitting a standard, relying only on the camera, or ending outside the 18-inch curb line after three attempts (marked Fail on the score sheet).
Your instruction permit (Level 1 GDL permit, or regular instruction permit if 18 or older); Under 18: the completed 50-hour certification form (10 hours at night) signed by a parent or guardian, or a Driver Education Card; A test vehicle with a valid license plate and registration card; Proof of valid insurance for the vehicle; A valid West Virginia inspection sticker on the vehicle; and Your glasses or contacts, if your license requires them.
Valid license plate, registration card, proof of insurance and a valid state inspection sticker; Must be in safe condition and legally equipped; defects can fail the exam. The examiner may let you fix a minor defect, but you cannot switch to another vehicle the same day; Must work: back-up lights, brake lights, turn signals, foot brake, parking/emergency brake, exhaust, hazard lights, headlights, horn, safety glass/windshield/windows, tires, tail lights, license plate light, wipers; The driver-side window must open and close; Not allowed: red or blue flashing lights; sirens, bells or whistles; a cutout or loud muffler; signs or stickers on the windows unless the law requires them; window tint below 35 percent light transmission; a broken or cracked windshield; holes in the body; broken lenses; doors or windows that do not work; and Any hands-free parking device must be turned off for the skills test.
Under 18 (Level 2 intermediate license): at least 16, holding a Level 1 instruction permit for 6 months with no violations or convictions, and having either a completed 50-hour certification form (10 hours at night) signed by a parent or guardian, or a Driver Education Card. Applicants 18 and older with a regular (non-GDL) instruction permit may take the road skills test after holding it at least 30 days. The road test is given only after you pass the knowledge examination.
You cannot retest within one week. The road skills fee is $7.50. Under 18, each fee covers one road skills attempt. At 18 or older, the fee covers up to three road skills attempts within 90 days of permit issue. If you fail, the examiner tells you what to practice and when to come back.
For car licenses, only DMV driver examiners give the road skills test. Driver education instructors may give the knowledge test but not the road test. A state-approved driver education course (Driver Education Card) can replace the 50-hour practice certification, but it does not replace the road test. Moving from Level 2 to a Level 3 license needs no new road test. Out-of-state applicants under 18 whose license does not equal WV's Level 2 must take the road skills test. The military skills test waiver covers commercial (CDL) tests only.
The official score sheet is DMV-DT-1, 'Driver Skills Test (Class E)', REV 7/2014. It is printed in the Driver's Licensing Handbook (revised 07/2026) with a vehicle safety inspection, a basic control skills section and a road test section; it is not posted as a separate form. In the 2026 handbook PDF, most bulleted and body text in the testing chapter (exercise descriptions, turn and intersection guidance, illegal equipment, and the road skills automatic failures list) uses a font whose text layer is scrambled, so those quotes come from the 07/2022 handbook edition linked from the DMV Sample Driver's Test page. Decoding the 2026 text shows the same automatic failures list and wording. Exercise layouts (cone positions) for parallel parking and the two-point turnabouts are given only as diagrams, so no step text is recorded. How long the test takes is not published. The score sheet's parallel-parking rows each map to a point value (turn signals 1/2, head check 1/2, taps curb 1/2, climbs curb 2/4, hits standard, relies on camera and other are marked Fail); this reading comes from the printed form's layout. The basic control exercises are 'a subset' of the five listed, so none is guaranteed. The road course should include a right turn, a left turn and a traffic light or stop sign 'if possible'.
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official West Virginia sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before test day.